Welsh Premiership Preview

Admittedly, meetings such as Cardiff against Llanelli and Newport versus Pontypool brought
old rivals into action, but fans obviously haven't been put off by the changes in Welsh rugby.

This Saturday's round of fixtures will see Swansea and Cardiff renew acquaintances and rival coaches and former Wales players Tony Clement and Mike Rayer will remember how often they scrapped for the No 15 jersey.

There will be an interesting meeting at Rodney Parade as Newport take on Ebbw Vale,
where Byron Hayward will be in action at fly half for the Steelmen, while Stradey Park is the venue for Llanelli against a Bridgend side who will provide a few shocks despite losing their opening match.

The biggest win last week was Aberavon's victory over Carmarthen Quins and they will hope to continue the good work with a win at Llandovery, who lost at home to a useful Neath side.

Pontypridd beat Pontypool 30-22 at Sardis Road on Wednesday night in a match
brought forward from Saturday's programme. Wings Richard Fussell and Matthew
Nuthall scored tries for the home side and former Wales centre Neil Boobyer
marked his club debut with six penalties and a conversion.

Wales reached their first semi-final since 2013 in the opening round of this season's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai. WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie recaps on what proved to be an eventful tournament

Wales and Ospreys back row James King, who came through the North Wales age grade system, nominated North Wales Regional Community Rugby Manager Marc Roberts, in the WRU's 'Diolch' initiative where squad players thanked those who played a part in their rise to the top.

Beating Merthyr has boosted Carmarthen Quins hopes of reaching a top eight spot in the Principality Premiership. Quins captain Haydn Pugh is delighted with his team's progress and is determined that everyone from the Under 6s through to the senior team, enjoys the ride.

When the Wales squad were asked to nominate individuals who played a big part in their early playing days, Wales and Dragons full back and wing Hallam Amos thought of his former Monmouth School rugby coach John Bevan.

Sam Cross and Luke Treharne have been named as co-captains of the Wales Sevens side as head coach Gareth Williams names his 12-man squad to play in the first leg of the HSBC World Series in Dubai next weekend.

Bedwas head coach Steve Law and players Nicky Griffiths and Alun Rees extol the virtues of the close knit club as they prepare to host third place RGC 1404 - who are one place head of them on the Principality Premiership points table - on Saturday.

Many of the Wales squad have said Diolch (thank you) to someone who played an important part in their early playing days by nominating them to be invited to the Wales v South Africa match. One person, Gowerton Comprehensive geography teacher Mr Dean Mason was nominated by two of his former pupils, Dan Biggar and Sam Davies.

The second WRU disability rugby pilot has been delivered, this time in Caerphilly schools, culminating in a festival at the Caerphilly Centre of Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach tomorrow. Plans are in place to set up a Disability Rugby Club in Newbridge to provide long-term playing opportunities.

WRU TV: Hear from inside the Wales camp as Neil Jenkins discusses this weekend's clash with South Africa and how the squad are looking to put in a strong performance to round of the 2016 Under Armour Series